3 Differences Between Scrum and Kanban You Need to Know

You may already be familiar with Agile, a set of ideals and principles that drives organizational growth. Then comes DevOps, a way to automate and integrate the processes between software development and different operations teams. Now, when it comes to implementing Agile and DevOps, Scrum and Kanban provide different ways.

However, you may find it challenging to point out the differences between Scrum and Kanban practices. It is because their principles are largely the same. Both frameworks help you build better products and services without any hassles. That is why we are here to help you figure out the differences between Scrum and Kanban in this blog. 

Definition of Scrum and Kanban

Scrum is an important management framework that is used by different teams to self-organize and work towards a common goal. It describes different meetings, tools, and roles for an efficient project delivery. Scrum practices allow teams to self-manage, adapt to change, and learn from experience. Software teams further use Scrum to solve all complex problems cost-effectively. 

The scrum framework is important because it outlines a set of values, principles, and practices that particular Scrum teams follow to deliver any product or service. It details the members of a specific Scrum team and their respective accountabilities. These are “artifacts” that define a particular product and work to create it. Later, Scrum ceremonies guide the scrum team through work.

Consider Kanban  as a framework to implement Agile and DevOps software development across organizational systems. This framework requires real-time communication of capacity and full transparency of work. All work items are represented visually on a Kanban board, allowing team members to see the state of every piece at any time.In short, it is a visual method for managing workflow at the individual, team, and even organizational level. Kanban can be applied to any work involving a repetitive process. 

Differences between Kanban vs. Scrum -  What is a Board?

Both Scrum and Kanban boards use Agile methodologies to track project status that starts from ideation to completion. It involves setting specific goals, delegating different tasks, and plotting the workflow for the specific project. However, there is a major difference between the Kanban and the Scrum board as shown in the comparison table below. 

Also check:Kanban Board vs Scrum Board

Differences Between Kanban vs. Scrum - Roles and Accountabilities

Both Kanban and Scrum are popular Agile methodologies that emphasize efficiency, flexibility, and continuous improvement in project management. One key differentiator lies in their approach to roles and accountabilities. While Scrum defines specific roles and responsibilities within a structured framework, Kanban adopts a more flexible and collaborative approach. The following table outlines the distinctions in roles and accountabilities between Kanban and Scrum.

Differences between Kanban vs. Scrum -  Scheduling, Iterations and Cadence

Kanban and Scrum methodologies offer distinct approaches to scheduling, iterations, and cadence. While Scrum relies on fixed-length iterations known as sprints, each with a predefined set of tasks, Kanban employs a continuous flow model, allowing for flexibility in task completion. The following table outlines the key differences between Kanban and Scrum in scheduling, iterations, and cadence.

Scrum Vs. Kanban: The Three Major Differences

Here is a consolidated table that summarizes the three major differences between Scrum and Kanban based on the board, the roles and responsibilities, and scheduling, iterations, and cadence. 

Also check:Difference between Scrum and Kanban

Which is Better for Your Needs?

Scrum and Kanban are often considered the gold standards for Agile methodologies. Both provide proven and reliable frameworks that many teams swear by. The saying, "No one gets fired for choosing Scrum," reflects the widely accepted success and stability of these approaches.

However, decision-making in Agile methodologies does not have to be strictly binary. Many teams have embraced hybrid models that draw inspiration from both Scrum and Kanban. 

Team-managed projects empower teams to tailor their Agile practices to their unique needs, whether that aligns more with Scrum, Kanban, or a blend of both. Unlike a rigid implementation of a single framework, team-managed projects allow teams to gradually adopt and refine features as they discover what works best for their unique circumstances.

Whether you opt for team-managed Scrum or team-managed Kanban, rest assured that both templates are designed to adapt and evolve according to your team's evolving needs. The flexibility of these templates encourages continuous improvement and the incorporation of lessons learned.

Regardless of your chosen path, commit to it for a reasonable duration. Take tasks from the backlog all the way to completion, then engage your team in a reflective discussion. You pave the way for your team to achieve an Agile state of bliss by experimenting with both Scrum and Kanban and actively seeking feedback. 

Conclusion

Scrum and Kanban are important for enhancing organizational systems and your team framework. Now let us imagine that you have chosen either framework for your team. But what if you do not know how to use either methodologies? That is why aspiring professionals should always have efficient knowledge about either Scrum or Kanban to get started with the frameworks. 
You can approach platforms like Simpliaxis to get certifications associated with the frameworks. One of them is the Agile Fundamentals including Scrum and Kanban Training. This particular course helps all participants understand how adopting Agility helps them become proactive and adaptable to all the changing customer needs. Then comes the Professional Scrum with Kanban™ (PSK) Training course that helps improve your way of working by applying Kanban practices to Scrum. So, pace up, select your certification course, and become a champion in both Scrum and Kanban now.